Pad construction at the new SW-1 and SW-2 leach pad area continues in earnest. As reported in this forum last month, there is a lot of activity from several organizations occurring at the Lluvia de Oro site to complete the pad construction project. Grading and compacting the base is still in progress. When completed, and the QA/QC studies show that the ground is within compliance, the geomembrane will be laid down, and then the plastic.

In addition to pad construction, the mine personnel have blasted and begun to move approximately 228,000 metric tonnes of rock from the Creston Pit. These tonnes include waste rock and ore. Ramps are being constructed in the Pit for better access to ore zones. A team of persons are involved in collecting environmental and engineering data for the Lluvia Dos leach pad to the southwest of the SW-1, SW-2, and the existing leach pad (shown in Photo #3).

The exploration crew has completed 43 core drill holes to date in the Creston Pit, the North East Extension and in the Southeast Lobe areas. Those drill holes will be used to better define mineral resources and reserves in and around the Creston ore body. The drill was moved recently to the El Cobre area for exploration drilling of that area.